Just because the hot days of summer signal that the mayfly season is mostly behind us doesn’t mean that fly fishing has entered the “doldrums.” In fact, I’d say things are just about to get really good.

To catch an exceptionally large fish is an amazing feat. Unfortunately, due to the customary stereotype that anglers tend to exaggerate the size of their catches, providing proof can be a challenge as well.

It’s rare to find a boat ramp in perfect condition. Concrete cracks and breaks apart with hot and cold temperature changes. Wooden ramps are no better, and they ultimately rot and chip. Any boater knows that if you add algae or seaweed a ramp can be as slippery as ice.

When one of my fishing buddies was a bachelor, I helped him move several times. Amazingly, his possessions consisted of little more than half-empty containers of brown mustard and dozens of pairs of shoes.

It is easy to understand why Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas are popular destinations. It may take most of the day, but one can wander through a fantastic, wide selection of boats and fishing tackle and the kids can ogle at massive blue catfish and spotted gar in aquariums containing thousands of gallons of water.

Having spent a lot of my life around fresh and saltwater boat ramps, I’ve never gotten used to the cussin’, the spittin’, and the fightin’ that oftentimes comes with getting a boat off of the trailer and in the water.

Sharing a love of fishing with youngsters is noble and enjoyable. You don’t need to be a professional angler or an expert guide to plant seeds of fishing interest that can be cultivated for a lifetime. Whether you’re hitting the water with a son or daughter, a grandchild, the neighbor kid, or any other fishing newbie (and thank you for doing so) keep these five simple tips in mind.

B.A.S.S. is an acronym for “Bass Anglers’ Sportsman Society.” With a membership of over 500,000, B.A.S.S. is one of the largest angling groups in the United States and is dedicated to the promotion and conservation of the sport fishery involving the fish of its namesake, bass (generally largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted.)

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